The Federal Government has promoted 16,582 officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, across various ranks.
This is as the Service warned personnel against forming illicit relationships with inmates, highlighting that such conduct threatens national security and undermines ongoing reforms in the correctional system.
Controller-General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, delivered the warning on Tuesday in Abuja during a ceremony marking the promotion of 16,582 officers across various ranks.
Addressing attendees, Nwakuche emphasized that collusion with inmates or any form of misconduct would attract strict sanctions. He stressed that the government will not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes institutional safety.
“This administration has zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline, particularly trafficking, compromise, or any form of unwholesome association with inmates.
“Such actions erode public trust, endanger institutional security, and sabotage the reform efforts of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
“I wish to state clearly that this administration will not condone such misconduct and will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law and relevant service regulations against any officer or staff found to be involved, regardless of rank or position,” he said.
Nwakuche described the promotion exercise as a significant milestone for the service, reflecting growth and improved morale among personnel. He called the ceremony a moment to recognise dedication, professionalism, sacrifice, and the steady growth of our service.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support for correctional reforms and his commitment to strengthening security and justice sector institutions. Nwakuche also praised the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing the necessary leadership and approvals to facilitate the promotions.
Detailing the exercise, Nwakuche said, “This promotion exercise has resulted in the elevation of a total of 16,582 officers and men, making it the highest number of promotions ever recorded in the history of the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
Of those promoted, 11,417 were senior officers and 4,253 were junior personnel. The exercise included 128 junior officers upgraded to Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, 89 Correctional Assistants elevated to the Inspectorate cadre, and 689 Chief Correctional Assistants converted to Inspectors after completing the required course.
Six officers received special promotions for gallantry and exceptional performance.
While congratulating the promoted officers, Nwakuche reminded them that advancement comes with increased responsibility.
“Promotion brings not only honour and fulfilment but increased responsibility. Higher ranks demand higher standards of discipline, integrity, leadership, and professionalism. Promotion is not an end in itself; it is a renewed call to service,” he said.
He urged officers who were not promoted to remain patient and committed, assuring them that dedication and consistency would be rewarded.
“Promotion is a process, and timing differs, but discipline, competence, and consistency never go unnoticed,” Nwakuche added.
The warning coincides with ongoing reforms in the NCoS aimed at enhancing security, professionalism, and public confidence in custodial institutions, amid past challenges including prison breaks, contraband smuggling, and allegations of officer-inmate collusion.
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